Historic environment input to planning application to replace the modern wooden footbridge and create a pitched stone surface for a length of steep incline footpath at the Sandyford Brook near Curbar Gap Mitigation Proposal

Bearing in mind the conditions of the consent for the proposed works from Historic England, within Appendix 1, it is proposed that:

(i) All those involved in the implementation of the works will be informed that areas of the land on which they will be working is designated as a scheduled monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 (as amended) and that specific consent conditions have been detailed by Historic England.

(ii) The boundary of the scheduled monument directly affected by the works and the scheduled monument in the vicinity of the area of works will be delineated on the ground just outside the actual SM areas, to ensure that all personnel are aware of their extreme sensitivities.

(iii) Any undesignated features within 30m of the zone of intervention will also be delineated to ensure that they are not damaged in any way.

(iv) Equipment and machinery will not be used or operated in the scheduled areas in conditions or in a manner likely to result in damage to the monument or ground disturbance other than that which is expressly authorised in this consent.

(v) Equipment and machinery will not be used across known undesignated archaeological sites; a map will be provided to all operatives that shows the exclusion zones that will be marked on the ground for the duration of the works, as well as the archaeological sites further afield.

(vi) Operatives will be inducted as to the types of archaeological discoveries that may be made during the works. There will be a clear written procedure in place to ensure that (vii) below is fulfilled.

(vii) Any discoveries of archaeological interest made during the consented works will be reported immediately to the Historic England Inspector of Ancient Monuments and the appropriate Peak District National Park Authority and National Trust archaeological curators.

(viii) There shall be an archaeologist on site during the works to ensure that any archaeological features exposed during the groundworks, are fully recorded and interpreted in accordance with the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists ‘Standards and guidance for archaeological watching briefs’ (CIfA, 2014). 1 Historic environment legislation, policy and guidance

Scheduled monument legislation Refer to the SMs – the proposed works will have a direct impact on one of the scheduled monuments (NHLE 1004599 – an extensive archaeological landscape) and could possibly affect another (NHLE 1017109 – a cairnfield and field system).

Guidance Historic England has issued a range of Good Practice Advice in 2015 and various Advice Notes in 2015 and 2016. Standards and guidance are also provided by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists.

2 Archaeological heritage statement

2.1 Introduction

The Eastern Moors Partnership took on the lease for land management of the Big Moor and Curbar area in 2011 and noted this area as a key footpath for access from the largest public carpark at Curbar Gap. The track has been existing for a number of years although the condition has particularly begun to deteriorate over the last half-decade.

There are a number of known archaeological sites within 100m of the area of intervention, both within and outside the boundaries of the SMs, as visible within Plan A in section 2.3.

That the only visible features that could be directly affected by the proposed works are comparatively short sections of the braided track/hollow ways that the footpath crosses, and the wooden footbridge – the latter being a 1980s insert that is now ready for replacement.

It is our opinion that the settings of the two scheduled monuments and other archaeological features in the area will not be significantly affected by the proposals, and Historic England also considers the effect of the proposed works upon Scheduled Monument 1004599 to be beneficial for the preservation of the monument and unlikely to damage archaeological remains (see Appendix 1). 2.2 Specific location The severely eroded footpath from OS grid ref SK 26622 74979 to SK 2679 75116, 150m in length and now >3m in width, is part of the route from Curbar Gap to White Edge.

Length of track to be repaired

Example width of track to be repaired 2.3 Heritage assets close to the proposed area of works – sources of info

It is recognised that the proposed area of works lies within a very rich historic environment, with a vast designated archaeological landscape immediately to the north, north-west and north-east, and a smaller scheduled area to the east-south-east. The data presented is based on archaeological desk-based assessments derived from the National Trust’s Sites and Monument Records (SMR) database, the County HER, Historic England’s National Heritage List of England and an ArcHeritage survey commissioned in 2011.

All sites in the area have been considered during this desk-based assessment seen in map view below. In addition, specific heritage assets within 100m of the proposed area of works have been listed in detail. They include 2 scheduled monuments, 16 individual sites, a number of banks and hollow ways, a small area of ridge and furrow, and field walls associated with agricultural improvement.

Plan A: Archaeological features including Scheduled Monuments around the site 2.4 Historic environment features This district of the National Park is part of an extensive prehistoric and historic landscape that has survived across similar areas of unenclosed farmland in the Peak District. It is visually obvious that this landscape has been occupied and traversed for millennia.

Elements of the range of features in this wider landscape are reflected in the immediate area of proposed works. Within 100m of the zone of intervention there are features associated with 2nd World War training activities, infrastructure relating to post-medieval farming, medieval and later transport routes, and prehistoric farming and settlement.

2.4.2 Archaeological and historical background: Eastern Moors

The archaeology of the Eastern Moors before c2,300BC While Palaeolithic artefacts have been found in the Peak District, none are known from the Eastern Moors estate. However, Mesolithic flint scatters dating to the period 10–6,000BC, have been found around the edges of the area, as a result of major moorland fires and as chance finds. Palaeo-environmental studies indicate that during the Mesolithic period this was largely an area of deciduous woodland, although the edges may have been open, while blanket peat was forming over parts of the open tops. Hunter-gatherers clearly used the resources of this landscape.

The Neolithic first farmers have also left no upstanding evidence of their communities across the estate, although flint and stone artefacts have been found around the edges and on Big Moor and Ramsley Moor.

Evidence of prehistoric land-use since c2,300BC It has to be presumed that some of the archaeological evidence associated with the first two millennia BCE had its origins in the preceding millennium. However, most of the prehistoric sites on the Eastern Moors estate have been dated to the Bronze Age and early Iron Age (2,300–500BC). Vast tracts of the landscape bear witness to small, dispersed settlements and farming, with the remains of round houses, cairnfields and field systems, as well as burial cairns or barrows and embanked stone circles. This density is reflected in the considerable number Scheduled Monuments across the estate and their large extent, particularly that of Big Moor (NHLE1004599). The results of the excavations at Gardom’s Edge provide a significant glimpse of this period of land use.

Good agricultural land for crops or grazing would have been re-used for generations, the sandy soils on the gritstone being particularly suitable for prehistoric farming. Whether the field systems can be associated with permanent or shifting settlement is not known. Less fertile ground would clearly have been more short-term in its agricultural use, presumably reflecting a need to take in more land due to population pressures. These areas must have been far less sustainable. However, there have been few archaeological excavations in the area and therefore few opportunities to clarify details, although the work at Eyam Moor did extend the period range of one such site back into the Neolithic. Towards the other end of the prehistoric period, during the later Iron Age, it seems that there was a change in land use across the Eastern Moors. Environmental evidence for this period indicates that woodland cover receded and today’s open heather moorland began to predominate. This may have been due to climate change and a decrease in population. In addition, it could reflect changing agricultural practices: a result of unrestricted grazing when farmsteads were abandoned. Bronze Age burial mounds (dating to c2,300–1500BC) are a significant element in the landscape, confirming ancestral rights to lands as well as acting as foci for ritual and social gatherings. They are usually located at the edge of fields or in visually striking positions, such as that on the ridge above Curbar Gap.

Romano-British and medieval times There is very little evidence of settlement across the Peak District during the Romano-British period and none on the Eastern Moors estate. Presumably the area was unsuitable for agriculture. Most of the Eastern Moors had become the open moorland of today which, in the medieval period, is characterised as one of commons and wastes, used for grazing stock and the extraction of natural resources, including peat, stone and possibly coal. The topography of the edges was also used for lead smelting – the ore being brought to the bole furnaces.

At Curbar Edge, however, there is slight evidence of medieval ridge and furrow agriculture surviving in one of the rectilinear fields that were enclosed in the post-medieval period. Perhaps this area was one where settlement and agriculture continued sporadically throughout the historic period.

Instead of the farmsteads with their field systems which typified the area during the 2nd and part of the 1st millennia BC, the landscape is criss-crossed by pack horse and foot transport routes across the moors. Braided tracks and hollow ways now define these paths on steep inclines and lesser slopes, although whether all such routes were used during this period is not known. Four of the routes cross the Big Moor or pass along White Edge to meet at Curbar Gap. The north-easterly track from Curbar Gap crosses the moor and then follows the Barbrook; its route is marked by guide stoops of medieval or post-medieval date. A few medieval waymarker and boundary crosses also survive, and certain slab (clapper) bridges probably originated in this period. Some of these are Scheduled Monuments.

The post-medieval period – after 1500AD Most of the wastes and commons of Eastern Moors remained unenclosed, although there are a few areas of agricultural enclosure that were created in the 18th and 19th centuries, such as the rectilinear fields close to Curbar Gap. In the main, however, the land either continued to be grazed, as is evidenced by the sheepfolds and isolated enclosures, or large swathes of ground were enclosed at the behest of the Duke of Rutland so that the estate could be used for grouse shooting.

It is post-medieval quarrying, mining and lead smelting that has had the greatest visual impact on the Eastern Moors. There is plenty of evidence of stone extraction, millstone quarrying, coal and ganister mining. Lead smelting ore hearths survive, the complexes using water to power the furnace bellows, date to the 16th–18th centuries. The trackways and subsequent turnpike, metalled roads facilitated transportation of the products of extraction and smelting, resulting in the abandonment of some hollow ways across the moors. Then, in the late-1800s, the railway tunnel between Totley and Grindleford was constructed, enabling transport to Sheffield and Manchester. Associated features on this northern part of the moors included the sighting towers and air shafts, of which little survives upstanding.

By contrast, there is much evidence of First and Second World War use of Eastern Moors as infantry training grounds. Bullet holes and mortar scars on boulders and rock outcrops, as well as gun emplacements, practice trenches and foxholes, are commonplace; there is also an extensive rifle range close to the north. 2.4.3 Archaeological and historical background: Big Moor and Curbar Gap

The following extract from the ArcHeritage Historic Landscape Survey Report of 2011 (sections 6.3.4 and 6.3.7) provides an overview of this area:

“This very large parcel contains a large number and variety of archaeological features representing a palimpsest of considerable time depth. There are several dense complexes of Bronze Age to Iron Age field systems with scattered settlement sites and funerary and ritual monuments. Most of these have scheduled monument status. Medieval features are represented by a large concentration of hollow ways in a variety of routes, including at least one medieval stone cross, which may be a boundary marker as well as a direction stone. The routes represented by the hollow ways continued to be used throughout the post-medieval period, and there are also several post-medieval direction stones on the moor. Several paved paths (‘causeys’) are also present on the moor, usually associated with hollow way routes.

Quarrying occurs widely across the moor, mainly in relatively small quarrying episodes, though with some larger quarries on the edges and ridge tops. Modern features include military training trenches and bullet and mortar scars from target practice. These appear to date mainly to World War II. There are also features associated with the early 20th century reservoirs towards the northern end of the moor.

Areas of palaeo-environmental potential have been defined on Big Moor, including Lucas Moss at the top of White Edge, and Stoke Flat, which appears to have relatively recent drainage, as well as areas of smaller peat bog on the higher ground in the centre of the moor and in the vicinity of streams.”

The eastern group of early 19th century enclosed fields at Curbar Gap includes an area of faint ridge and furrow cultivation of uncertain date.

2.4.4 Specific archaeological features in the vicinity of the proposed footpath works

A very small part of the Big Moor scheduled monument (NHLE1004599) is directly affected by the proposed works. The braided trackway that is to be repaired (NT204917) is one of two known features within the scheduled monument that will be impacted by the footpath improvements. The modern timber bridge (NT204916) that is to be replaced also lies within the scheduled area. The methodology to minimise the impacts is given below. The Eastern Moors Partnership will commission an archaeological contractor to undertake a watching brief during disturbance to the current ground surface, which will take place as a single exercise. Beyond the zone of intervention there are various other sites, all of which will be protected, also as outlined below. Known archaeological features around the zone of intervention The following are National Trust SMR site numbers, with a concordance to the Derbyshire Council HER site numbers

NW of the footpath outside the scheduled monument – features associated with pre- and post-improvement fields NT204551 two stone gateposts – part of drystone field wall NT204552 (MDR19328) demolished 19th century outfarm building NT204553 possible hollow way/trackway within improved field, though an alternative interpretation for this feature is that it could be the eroded remains of ridge and furrow, as it is on the same alignment as NT204552 in the same field NT204647 stone gatepost – part of drystone field wall NT205768 ridge and furrow on pre-improvement N-S alignment overlain by rectilinear fields bounded by drystone walls MDR 7605 (HER4508) post-medieval rectilinear earthwork enclosures, sub-divided internally by field banks – that marked on Plan B below is presumably in addition to those recorded on Ordnance Survey maps.

Plan B: Archaeological features around the proposed footpath work SW of footpath outside the scheduled monument – post-medieval features, presumably associated with constructing the field walls and/or repairing the footpath/trackway NT204920 a small stone quarry pit NT204921 a small stone quarry pit NT204922 an area of flat stones, reflecting footpath improvement or drainage works

S of footpath outside the scheduled monument – features associated with a post-medieval sheepfold NT204911 (part of HER4507) stone and earth bank aligned NE-SW presumably associated with the sheepfold NT204912 NT204912 (part of HER4507) post-medieval sheepfold NT204913 (part of HER4507) stone gatepost set into S end of bank NT204914 NT204914 (part of HER4507) stone and earth bank aligned N-S presumably associated with the sheepfold NT204912 NT204915 (part of HER4507) a length of curvilinear bank from SW to NE

E of footpath within the scheduled monument – features related to World War II training exercises NT203949 short section of hollow way NT203623 World War II slit trench NT203624 World War II slit trench NT203625 WW2 bullet scars on natural boulder NT203626 WW2 bullet scars on natural boulder NT203627 World War II slit trench NT203628 World War II slit trench NT203629 World War II ‘fox hole’ trench

NE of footpath within the scheduled monument – features NT202933 small trench of unknown function NT202934 WW2 bullet scars on natural outcrop NT202935 short stretch of worn slabs with robber trench to west NT202936 small stone cairn with possible guidestone (HER15848) in centre NT202938 (HER1377) large ring cairn on outcrop immediately N of NT202934 which is half destroyed by the pack horse routes that cross this area

All of these site types are characteristic of this part of the Peak District and as such are of local and/or regional archaeological significance.

3 Archaeological significances

Statement of significance

The development site falls within Scheduled Monument 1004599 and is an area recognised to be of national significance for its well preserved prehistoric field and settlement remains.

Historic England has granted Scheduled Monument consent for the work (see Appendix 1) as they consider the effect of the works upon the monument to be beneficial for its long-term preservation and unlikely to damage the archaeological remains. 4 The proposed works

The pitched stone path will be constructed using local/same geology stone as the adjacent stone walls and will appear similar to other examples of this form of path in the vicinity.

Pitched steps to Carl Wark, Burbage Moor

Recently rebuilt stone walls adjacent to path route. The footbridge will take the form of a clapper-style bridge using more appropriate and hardwearing materials than the existing, again providing a more congruous appearance with stone to match the surroundings.

Existing and initial replacement bridge concept design 5 Archaeological implications and actions

A short 100-150m length of the proposed path lies within the scheduled area of SM 1004599 and access will be required to prepare the actual path route, as well as to offload the stone for the pitching and construct it, although the majority of the work shall be undertaken within the path area itself.

The scheduled monument SM1017109 is located 150m from the works area.

Scheduled monument consent has been granted for the proposed works with certain conditions, included Appendix 1.

5.1 The braided trackway The only known archaeological feature that will be directly affected by the proposed works is the braided track (NT204917). The current footpath uses part of the route of the braided track which, by its very nature, is made up of a series of ways. These are more or being negatively affected by the increasingly damaging erosion of the path.

The current state of affairs is a continuation of that which led to the creation of the numerous braids to the trackway in the first place. However, it is understood that today’s level of use is such that without the construction of a dedicated route with a hard surface the area will become impassable because it is so steep and of poor quality eroded surface. The proposed works are intended to ensure that the width and depth of the erosion scar does not increase and affect even more of this archaeological feature. It is expected that the preservation of most of the existing braided trackway will be secured for the future by the construction of this 1000mm wide pitched stone path and re-establishment of topsoil and vegetation adjacent.

The eroded path lies parallel to the recently rebuilt/repairs stone wall that forms part of the rectilinear field boundaries immediately to the north-west. Arguably, the pitched stone of the proposed path surface will mirror these existing stone features. It is therefore suggested that the visual impact on the setting of this element of the landscape will hardly be affected.

There is a requirement for vehicle movements to access the sites to bring materials and tools. These movements shall be kept to a minimum and will not go over the Scheduled Monument or any of the other archaeological features. The use of low-impact vehicles and single person hand or powered wheelbarrows will be preferred where possible and bog mats are proposed for any heavier loads. The vehicle route will be monitored and a staggered approach be used to allow the surface to recovery as the vehicle movements are also intended to be spread over a number of months.

5.2 The other known archaeological features adjacent to the zone of intervention

There are various other known archaeological features adjacent to the line of the proposed pitched stone path. There is no reason to think that these will be impacted by the proposed works.

To ensure that this is indeed the case the boundaries of the archaeological features within 30m of the works area will be marked with narrow-diameter rods / electric fencing canes and exclusion tape. 5.3 The timber footbridge

Although this footbridge (NT204916) is included in the Sites and Monument Record managed by the National Trust, it is not regarded as being of specific historic significance. It was comparatively recently that this timber bridge was constructed (the 1980s).

It is thought that the stream may originally have been forded at various places along the full width of the braided trackway. A stone crossing may eventually have been constructed if the ford became so eroded that crossing on foot became dangerous. Alternatively, a broad clapper bridge may have been needed if wheeled traffic started to use the trackway. However, no evidence of such a feature survives. It is therefore suggested that a replacement stone clapper-style footbridge will be a pragmatic solution to the need to replace the current crossing and will also be in keeping with the landscape.

6 Detailed mitigation proposals

A construction method statement which details the extent of the works has been prepared and will be issued to all site staff involved as well as being reviewed at site preparation meetings. This includes the below working methodology with further information of direct mitigation as follows:

Any members of staff believe they may have identified any archaeological interest or unknown potential for, shall make the lead site manager aware and works in that area shall cease. Clarification shall then be sought from archaeological specialists before work can commence subject to the outcome of further investigation as required.

7 Bibliography

Article in serial: Barnatt, J. 1986. 'Bronze Age remains on the East Moors of the Peak District', Derbyshire Archaeological Journal. Volume 106, pp 18-100. p 43; Fig. 15

Scheduling record: English Heritage. 1999. Cairnfield and field system 450m SW of Swine Sty. 31257. Cat. No.: 457

Unpublished document: Wyatt, S (PDNPA). 2010. Scheduled Monument Monitoring Form: Cairnfield and field system N of Eaglestone Flat, 450m SW of Swine Sty.

Unpublished document: Barnatt, J (PDNPA). Descriptive text on monuments in the Peak District.

Bibliographic reference: Walsh, T.. 1976. Walsh 1976. P47, fig 16.

Article in serial: Barnatt, J (PPJPB). 1995. 'Neolithic and Bronze Age radiocarbon dates from the Peak District: a review', Derbyshire Archaeological Journal. Vol 115, pp 5-19. p.11-12

Verbal communication: Myers, A. 1983. Personal Observation.

Unpublished document: Ainsworth, S & Barnatt, J. 1998. An Archaeological Survey of the Scheduled Landscape on Big Moor and Ramsley Moor.

Unpublished document: Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA). Parish file. Sketch plan: Butcher, 1-24 Appendix 1 – Extract from Historic England Scheduled Monument Consent Letter Dear Ms Buck

Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 (as amended); Section 2 control of works Application for Scheduled Monument Consent

PREHISTORIC BIG MOOR & RAMSLEY AREA, DERBYSHIRE Scheduled Monument No: SM DR 136, HA 1004599 Our ref: S00175480 Application on behalf of The National Trust (Eastern Moors Partnership)

1. I am directed by the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport to advise you of the decision regarding your application for Scheduled Monument Consent received 1 September 2017 in respect of proposed works at the above scheduled monument concerning the installation of stone pitching to restore a section of footpath and the replacement of the existing wooden bridge over Sandyford Brook with a stone clapper bridge of a single span and no central pier. The works were detailed in the following documentation submitted by you:

Scheduled Monument Consent Application Form Eastern Moors Partnership. 2017. Design and Access Statement: Sandyford Brook Restoration (draft) Location plan 1 - showing full extent of Scheduled Monument 1004599 Location plan 2 - showing extent of the Sandyford Brook application site overlain by the National Trust’s HBSMR data.

2. In accordance with paragraph 3(2) of Schedule 1 to the 1979 Act, the Secretary of State is obliged to afford you, and any other person to whom it appears to the Secretary of State expedient to afford it, an opportunity of appearing before and being heard by a person appointed for that purpose. This opportunity was offered to you by Historic England and you have declined it.
3. The Secretary of State is also required by the Act to consult with the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England (Historic England) before deciding whether or not to grant Scheduled Monument Consent. Historic England considers the effect of the proposed works upon the monument to be beneficial for the preservation of the monument and unlikely to damage archaeological remains; there is no requirement for archaeological recording.

I can confirm that the Secretary of State is agreeable for the works to proceed providing the conditions set out below are adhered to, and that accordingly Scheduled Monument Consent is hereby granted under section 2 of the 1979 Act for the works described in paragraph 1 above, subject to the following conditions:

(i) The works to which this consent relates shall be carried out to the satisfaction of the Secretary of State, who will be advised by Historic England. At least 2 weeks' notice (or such shorter period as may be mutually agreed) in writing of the commencement of work shall be given to tim.allen@historicengland.org.uk in order that an Historic England representative can inspect and advise on the works and their effect in compliance with this consent.

(ii) All those involved in the implementation of the works granted by this consent must be informed by the National Trust that the land is designated as a scheduled monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 (as amended); the extent of the scheduled monument as set out in both the scheduled monument description and map; and that the implications of this designation include the requirement to obtain Scheduled Monument Consent for any works to a scheduled monument from the Secretary of State prior to them being undertaken.

(iii) Equipment and machinery shall not be used or operated in the scheduled area in conditions or in a manner likely to result in damage to the monument or ground disturbance other than that which is expressly authorised in this consent.

(iv) Any discoveries of archaeological interest made during the consented works shall be reported immediately to the Historic England Inspector of Ancient Monuments and the appropriate Peak District National Park Authority and National Trust archaeological curators.

4. By virtue of section 4 of the 1979 Act, if no works to which this consent relates are executed or started within the period of five years beginning with the date on which this consent was granted (being the date of this letter), this consent shall cease to have effect at the end of that period (unless a shorter time period is set by a specific condition above).

5. This letter does not convey any approval or consent required under any enactment, bye law, order or regulation other than section 2 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.

6. Your attention is drawn to the provisions of section 55 of the 1979 Act under which any person who is aggrieved by the decision given in this letter may challenge its validity by an application made to the High Court within six weeks from the date when the decision is given. The grounds upon which an application may be made to the Court are (1) that the decision is not within the powers of the Act (that is, the Secretary of State has exceeded the relevant powers) or (2) that any of the relevant requirements have not been complied with and the applicant's interests have been substantially prejudiced by the failure to comply. The "relevant requirements" are defined in section 55 of the 1979 Act: they are the requirements of that Act and the Tribunals and Inquiries Act 1971 and the requirements of any regulations or rules made under those Acts.

Yours sincerely

Tim Allen Inspector of Ancient Monuments E-mail: tim.allen@HistoricEngland.org.uk For and on behalf of the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

cc Natalie Ward, Senior Conservation Archaeologist, Peak District National Park Authority